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Facts about the immune system

The human body is much like a machine that is made of multiple separate systems that work as parts of a singular unit. One of the most important parts of the body is the immune system, which is actually a network of organs, tissues, and cells, that act as the first line of defence against harmful elements such as infection and other foreign (often minute) bodies that threaten to invade the internal system.

Just as nature designed all other systems in the body, the immune system is biologically programmed to maintain equilibrium and correct any imbalance that may prove to be detrimental to a person’s health and well being.

Below are facts about the immune system that everyone should know about, not only to become more familiar about their body but also to learn how to take better care of their health.

The immune system defined

This system is a vast network that encompasses biological processes and structures that are solely designed for the purpose of protecting the human body from foreign invaders of various forms.

Immune system organs and sub-systems

Unlike all other systems of the body, the immune system covers all parts of the human anatomy, from the skull down to the lower extremities. Below are the sub-systems that comprise the entire immune system as well as they corresponding functions.

The bone marrow

This soft tissue can be found in every hollow center of bones in the body, and is responsible for generating all blood cells including Lymphocytes, which are highly necessary for releasing antibodies.

Lymphocytes

There are basically two types of lymphocytes- the T Cell Lymphocytes, which grow and mature in the thymus and the B Lymphocytes or B Cells which grow to become plasma cells (responsible for generating and releasing antibodies). Plasma cells occur mostly in the Medulla.

Lymph Nodes

These tissues are located in several parts of the body, i.e. neck, armpits, abdomen, and groin. Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign of infection and/or cancer; hence the cursory inspection of physicians of the above-mentioned body parts during a physical examination. Find our more about lymphatic system functions here.

Spleen

While most people are not aware of what the spleen actually does, it turns out it has a very important purpose when it comes to fighting off infection. This organ houses specialized compartments where immune cells can generate and mature. These immune cells are not usually activated, unless in the case of severe infection where the body needs all the help it can get in order to keep invading microorganisms away from the major organs.

List of autoimmune diseases

(Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Option)

The human immune system is much like a double-edged sword. While it is designed to protect the body from anything foreign and harmful, there are certain instances where it attacks healthy organs and cells. These conditions are referred to as autoimmune diseases, some of which are listed below.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

This disorder affects more women than men, and occurs mainly in the group age of 20-40 years old. MS is caused mainly by the damage to the myelin sheath (protective covering that surrounds nerve cells). It is characterized by the following symptoms:

Loss of balance (sudden or gradual)

Muscle spasms (often painful and with no possible physiological cause)

A battery of neurological tests are usually administered in order to confirm an MS diagnosis as well as determine its severity. Immunologists usually make it a point to ascertain as to which parts of the body have been affected and which ones remain in good condition. Multiple Sclerosis is progressive and once it starts, it is very difficult to stop.

There is no known cure for MS as of yet, but there are a number of methods used to manage this disease and slow down its progress. Some of the medications used to treat and/or manage the symptoms include the following:

Interferons

Fingolimod

Methotrexate

Azathioprine

Lioresal

Tizanidine

Cholinergic medications to manage urinary problems

Antidepressants (Zoloft, Prozac, etc)

Benzodiazepine (to control tremors)

Physicians also usually recommend physical therapy as a preventative method for those who are diagnosed with early onset MS. It is important to exercise the muscles so that they do not atrophy.

Alopecia areata

This condition is characterized by severe baldness due to damaged hair follicles. While it does not threaten a person’s health in the slightest, Alopecia can very well affect a person’s confidence since it affects how he/she looks. There are no known cures for alopecia at this time but there are ways to address the issue of baldness, i.e. wearing wigs (for women) or toupee (for men).

Autoimmune hepatitis

This is a condition in which the body attacks its own liver cells, which can lead to a number of various complications. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:

Chronic fatigue

Enlarged liver

Jaundice

Itchy skin (barring allergies)

Joint pain

Chronic stomach ache

The most reliable treatment for autoimmune hepatitis is liver transplant, although the recuperation period is lengthy and difficult since the immune system usually attacks donated organs. Anti-rejection medications are prescribed for patients who underwent organ transplantation.

Celiac disease

This autoimmune disease is mostly referred to as Gluten allergy. It is a condition in whereby the body can’t tolerate gluten, which is found in food products such as rye, wheat, barley, and rye. In case of accidental ingestion of gluten, the immune system responds by inflicting damage on the thin linings of the small intestines. Such damage often leads to the following symptoms:

While there is no existing cure for Celiac disease as of today, there are ways to effectively manage this disease, one of which is by adapting a gluten free diet.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Perhaps one of the most debilitating autoimmune disease, SLE attacks and damages several parts of the body including the lungs, kidneys, heart, skin, and joints. Multiple organ failure is often a complication that arises from this ailment and there are no known cures for it at this time. Some of the common symptoms to watch out for include the following:

Fever (on and off for several days or weeks)

Weight loss

Hair loss

Painful mouth sores

Chronic fatigue

Butterfly rashes on the cheeks and/or nose

Painful joints and muscles

Sensitivity to the sun and any source of heat

Lapses in memory, dizziness, vomiting, changes in personality and social behaviour

Vitiligo

This disease affected the famous Michael Jackson for most of his adult life. It is characterized by the absence of melanin in the skin, which gives it an unusually fair color. The late King of Pop was of African-American descent but he had an unusually white skin due to this disease. Some of the most common symptoms include white patches on the skin, early onset of gray hair, and loss of color inside the mouth.

Autoimmune diseases are mostly hereditary so it is necessary for people to become aware of their family’s medical background in order to determine whether they are carrying the gene for one or more of these ailments. Preventive measures must be taken in order to prevent the sudden progression of the disease especially since there is no way to reverse the damage to the body once the symptoms begin to manifest.

How to strengthen the immune system

There are a number of specific ways to strengthen the immune system, but the most important thing is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat nutritious foods. Supplementation as well as vaccination can also help especially in the case of young children. Read more about how to boost your immune system.